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Addressing

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1. When can I apply for my physical address?

You can apply for a physical address as long as you have a driveway established or you can flag where your driveway will be located. Vacant land will not receive a physical address. You will need an address before you can apply for a building permit or telephone service.

2. When do I place the numbers on my house and mailbox?

Within 30 days after you have been notified.

3. Where do I post my address house number?

The address number must be displayed on the front of a building or at the entrance to a building which is most clearly visible from the road during both day and night. If a building is more than 75 feet from any road or is not visible from the road, the address number shall be displayed at the end of the driveway nearest the road which provides access to the building. 

The number shall be attached to a fence, gate, mailbox or the like adjacent to the road right-of-way. Numerals must be of contrasting color to the background and shall be plain block numeric numbers, not alpha print. It is recommended that these numbers be reflective to ensure better visibility.

4. Who do I need to inform of my new address?

You need to notify everyone of your address including the:

• Bank
• Board of Elections
• Cable company
• Tax Office
• Telephone company
• Utility company
• Anyone else you do business with

5. What is the objective of road naming?

The objective of road naming is to eliminate duplicate of phonetically similar road names. Countywide road names and addresses will help law enforcement, fire and EMS or rescue squads save lives and property by reducing the time it takes them to reach the scene of an emergency. Prior to any plat being submitted to the Haywood County Planning Office, the developer will need to get approval-from the Addressing Office on any newly proposed road names. 

A road name shall be assigned to any public or private road, or roadway which provides access to two or more residences, businesses, industries, or combination thereof, regardless of the length of the road. The Addressing Office shall disapprove newly proposed road names that are duplicated or deceptively similar to the name of any other public or private road in the county. This shall include road names that have a different suffix.

6. Can I change the name of my existing road?

Yes, you will need to contact the Addressing Office and obtain a Petition to Change the Name of The Road. This petition should include the existing road name, the proposed road name and the signatures of at least 90% of those persons owning property adjacent to the road. The fee to change a road name is $250 with an additional fee of $75 to cover legal advertisement, shall accompany any petition. In the event you get 100% of the signatures, the $75 fee will be waived.

7. Where can I get a map of all the roads in Haywood County?

 The Addressing Office has map booklets available for a minimal fee. Also, you may purchase a current updated fold out map of all roads in the county from the Land Records Office in the Courthouse for a minimal fee.

8. My road sign has been stolen, who can I report this to?

The Addressing Office will make and install all new, missing and damaged signs. See form for Tracking Missing Road Signs (PDF) and form for Tracking Damaged Road Signs (PDF).

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Adult Day Care

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1. What is the Adult Day Care?

The Haywood County Adult Day Care Program is an activity and social program for older and disabled adults needing socialization, daytime care and supervision.

2. How do I qualify?

Participants have to be able to feed themselves and use the toilet by themselves.

3. What are the hours of operation?

Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

4. Where is the program located?

The Adult Day Care is housed in a beautiful home in the Hazelwood Community located at:
205 Hazelwood Avenue
Waynesville, NC 

5. How do I sign up for the program or find out more information?

The Adult Day Care staff will be happy to talk with you at 828-456-9488. You may also arrange a visit and tour of the facility.

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Breast & Cervical Cancer Program

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1. Who is eligible for the North Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Control (NC BCCCP) Program?

North Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) is available to women who:

• Between ages 50 to 64 for breast screening services and 21 to 64 for cervical screening services
• Have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level
• Residents of Haywood County
• Uninsured or underinsured
• Without Medicare Part B or Medicaid

2. What services are offered through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP)?

The services offered through the BCCCP are as follows:

• Assist patients in arranging diagnostic services with partner programs and providers Medical consultations
• Clinical breast exams
• Pap tests
• Screening mammograms

3. What if I need cancer treatment? Is there help available?

Breast and Cervical Cancer Medicaid (BCCM) provides funding for treatment to BCCCP-enrolled clients who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer and who meet additional requirements. To be eligible for Breast and Cervical Cancer Medicaid, eligible women must have been enrolled in BCCCP prior to an actual cancer diagnosis. Our staff can help you navigate the process.

Interpreter services are available at no cost.

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Business Tax

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1. Where do I get a business license?

The county no longer issues privilege license, however, if your business is located inside the city limits of Waynesville, Canton, Maggie or Clyde, or your business has a one-time job located inside either of these city limits you must check with that town.

• Town of Waynesville - Phone: James Robertson - 828-452-3588
• Town of Canton - Phone: Sherry - 828-648-2363
• Town of Maggie - Phone: Shane Wheeler - 828-926-0866
• Town of Clyde - Phone: Sheila Messer - 828-627-2566

2. Where Can I Get a Federal ID or State ID number?

There is no longer an Office located in Haywood County to get these numbers, however the Small Business Center of the Haywood Community College has a brochure with a lot of great information and phone numbers for new businesses to use as a guide. You may pick up one of these brochures in the Business Personal Property Office.

The numbers for the State and Federal ID numbers are:

• State Taxes 
  • NCDOR website 
  • Phone: 828-667-5087
• Federal Taxes
  • IRS website 
  • Phone: 828-271-4724

3. Most of the assets were given to me. Do I still have to list them?

All property that is used or held in connection with a business must be listed. This includes assets that are given as gifts.

North Carolina General Statute 105-304(f)(2) states “Tangible personal property situated at or commonly used in connection with a business premises hired, occupied, or used by the owner of the personal property (or by the owner’s agent or employee) is taxable at the place at which the business premises is situated. Tangible personal property that may be used by the public generally or that is used to sell or vend merchandise to the public falls within the provisions of this subdivision.”

4. Why did I receive a late list penalty on my bill and how much penalty am I paying?

The length of the listing period is during the month of January. Anything received after this time period, that does not have an extension, receives a late list penalty.

As explained in North Carolina General Statute 105-312 (h); the amount of penalty that is acquired through not listing during the regular listing period is 10% per year for each year, up to five years that the property had failed to be listed.

5. Can I get an extension to list my business and if so for how long?

In order to avoid a late list penalty, the taxpayer must send in a written request for an extension showing good cause as to why the taxpayer needs additional time to list. The extension can be granted up to and no later than April 15th.

6. Where Can I get a copy of my Business Personal Property Listing Form?

You may obtain any previous years listing at the Business Personal Property Office.

7. I use my Personal Computer a couple of times a month to do invoices. Do I still have to list my own personal computer?

Anything used in connection with a business must be listed.  This includes any personal property brought from the home or used in the home for the purpose of conducting business.  

8. How did you arrive at the value placed on my business?

The cost information you provide on the listing form is depreciated from the year in which it was purchased. The schedule used in arriving at the current value is the trending schedule provided by the Department of Revenue. If you did not list, and you did not respond to the 30-day letter mailed to you, then the value placed on the business is an estimated value either based on previous years listings or like businesses.

9. My equipment is all very old and does not have any value to it. Why am I still getting a tax bill?

Equipment is never depreciated down to a 0 value by the county.  The trending schedules from the Department of Revenue only allows us to depreciate equipment down to a 25% residual value, which is the value the property holds until its disposal.  The only exception is computer equipment, which is depreciated down to a 10% residual value.

10. We sold the business in February. Why am I still getting billed?

All property assessed by the owner of the property as of January 1st of each year.  If property was not sold until February then the January 1st owner is responsible for the listing of the property and the taxes owed is an issue between the buyer and seller.  

11. What is a depreciation schedule or fixed asset schedule?

A depreciation schedule or fixed asset schedule is a list of all assets owned by the business, sole proprietor, partnership or corporation. This list provides pertinent information that is useful in listing such as a description of the asset, the year in which the asset was purchased and the cost information.

12. Why is my business being audited?

All businesses in Haywood County are randomly selected for an audit. The main two objectives for auditing businesses are:

• Ensuring that all business values are fair and equitable
• Educating business owners on listing correctly

13. Who do I talk to about appealing my audit and how long do I have to make an appeal?

All taxpayers have the right to appeal.  You must appeal within 30 days from the first notice of value.  This must be done by a signed, written request to the Assessor.

14. I only have a rental unit. Why am I getting a business listing form?

General Statute 105-304 (f)(1) states “Tangible personal property situated at or commonly used in connection with a temporary or seasonal dwelling owned or leased by the owner of the personal property is taxable at the place at which the temporary or seasonal dwelling is situated.”

All furnishings must be listed; this includes stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer etc. If a rental is fully furnished the taxpayer has the option to itemize on the listing or use the 6% option, which allows you to use 6% of the value of the dwelling as your taxable value for the furnishings.

15. I sent you my business listing and wrote same as last year on it, so why did you return it?

The directions that are attached with the listing form, clearly states that if a listing is marked “same as last year,” or has not been signed by an authorized signer, the listing will be rejected and could result in penalties being assessed. The General Statutes state that all tangible property is to be listed. Writing “same as last year” is not considered a listing.

16. How did you find out about my business?

There are many different resources our offices use in order to educate new business owners to list the property.

• Business Cards
• Information returned from new business packet
• Telephone Listings
• Visiting new businesses

17. Is there a law that says I have to list my business?

North Carolina General Statute 105-274 (a)(1-2) states “All property, real and personal within the jurisdiction of the State shall be subject to taxation unless it is:

• Excluded from the tax base by a statute of statewide application enacted under the classification power accorded the General Assembly by Article V 2(2), of the North Carolina Constitution, or
• Exempted from taxation by the Constitution or by a statute of statewide application enacted under the authority granted the General Assembly by Article V 2(3), of the North Carolina Constitution.

18. My equipment is located in Buncombe County on January 1st of each year until May. Why do I have to list in Haywood County?

If equipment is generally moved from one place to another the equipment must then, be listed to the county in which the business office is based.

19. Do I have to list my inventory?

Inventory is no longer considered taxable in the state of North Carolina. Inventory is items for sale during the regular course of business.

20. Why am I just now being notified that I have to list my business?

It is the responsibility of each business owner to list his or her assets as of January 1st of each year.

Our office makes every effort to educate all business owners that the law requires them to list their assets. We have offered training seminars that have been taped and aired on the government channel. We also have new business packets located in various places throughout the county.

21. Can my Brother come in and list for me?

Listings must be signed by a legally authorized person.

A legally authorized person is:

• The taxpayer
• A principal officer of the taxpayer
• A Full-Time employee of the taxpayer who has been officially empowered by the principal officer to list the property

22. Where can I get a form to list my business?

There are two ways to get a form to list your business:

1. You may pick up a form in the Business Personal Property Office
2. You may download and print the Business Personal Property Listing Form (PDF) and bring it into the office as well

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Care Coordination for Children (CC4C)

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1. What is Care Coordination for Children (CC4C)?

Care Coordination for Children (CC4C) is a free community service for special needs children age 0 to 5 and their families. CC4C strives to ensure that children are raised in a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment so that they can reach their full potential.

2. What does Care Coordination for Children (CC4C) provide?

• CC4C helps parents schedule appointments, communicate with doctors, and track well-child care and immunizations
• CC4C identifies and coordinates services and resources to help meet the family’s specific needs such as:
  • Child care
  • Counseling/support programs
  • Financial aid
  • Housing
  • Medical care
  • Transportation
• CC4C educates parents about:
  • Genetic services
  • Newborn screenings
  • Nutrition
  • School health
  • Various resources
  • Well-child care
• CC4C provides ongoing encouragement, support, and tools to strengthen families
• CC4C reduces toxic stress for children
• CC4C works with medical homes to provide smooth transition across care settings

3. Who is eligible for Care Coordination for Children (CC4C)?

Eligibility is not based on finances, but on risk factors and diagnoses. Parents can call to see if they are eligible, or be referred by doctors, hospitals, social workers, family members, day care providers, or other state/county agencies. 

For more information, call 828-452-6675.

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Child Support Enforcement (CSE)

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1. What is Child Support Enforcement?

State and local Child Support Enforcement Offices work with custodial and non-custodial parents to ensure children are given the financial support they deserve.

2. What can a Child Support Enforcement Agent do to enforce a court order?

Things that can be done to enforce a court order include:

• Income Withholding by Employers
• Withholding of Employment Compensation, Worker's Compensation, Social Security Benefits or Veteran's Disability Benefits
• Monthly Billing to Non-Custodial Parents That Are Not Under Income Withholding
• Filing Court Action Against Non-Custodial Parents Who Have Not Paid Support as Ordered
• Credit Bureau Reporting of All Child Support Obligations Handled by CSE
• Interception of State and Federal Tax Refunds
• Liens on Real or Personal Property Owned by the Non-Custodial Parent.

3. What services does Child Support Enforcement Offer?

Services include:

• Enforce Child Support Court Orders
• Establish Paternity
• Locate Non-Custodial Parents
• Work to Get Child Support Payments Ordered by the Courts

4. What does a Child Support Enforcement (CSE) do?

The CSE agent gathers all available information, evaluates the case and determines support activities to be pursued and works with an attorney to represent cases in Civil Court actions. These attorneys represent the agency and not the individual client in a case. The agent works with all parties in a case, providing information or explanations or case activities when appropriate.

5. How does CSE calculate the child support obligation?

Visit the North Carolina Child Support website for full explanation along with answers to other child support questions.  

6. What is Medicaid?

A health insurance program for those whose income is so low that they cannot afford health care costs. It is governed by federal and state laws especially in regard to income limits.

7. What can you expect from Medicaid?

Recipients can expect:

• Recipients will receive Medicaid Identification (MID) card, which is their insurance card.
• There are co-payments for some services.
• Recipients receive different types of coverage for different needs.
• You do not have to have a physical or other type of exam. Exemption for disabled must meet the definition of disabled.
• Medicaid is based on your family’s finances.
• You do not have to have a medical need to qualify.

8. How do Haywood County residents qualify for Medicaid?

Medicaid eligibility for most recipients is determined by the Department of Social Services (DSS) in the county they reside. Applicants are evaluated on income level, available financial resources and criteria related to categorical standards. Families receiving work first family assistance also receive Medicaid. Clients receiving special assistance also receive auto Medicaid.

9. When does eligibility begin?

Participants are eligible for Medicaid the month in which all categorical and financial conditions of eligibility are met.

10. How do I apply for Medicaid?

You need to fill out an application. To get an application, call Department of Social Services (DSS) and you can ask to have an application mailed to you. If you want help filing the application out, go to DSS and a caseworker will give you an application and help you fill it out. The Health Department also has application forms you can request. Applications are also available online.

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Community Alternatives Program (CAP)/Disabled Adults (DA)

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1. What is CAP?

CAP is the community alternatives program for disabled adults. It is a Medicaid funded program which provides home care as an alternative for those facing nursing facility placement.

2. How do I qualify for CAP?

Qualifications include:

• You Have to Be 18 Years of Age  or Older with Disabilities
• Live in Private Residential Settings
• Need Help with Personal Care
• Eligible for Cap Medicaid
• At Risk for Nursing Home Placement
• Can Have Their Health, Safety, and Well-Being Needs Met a Home Withing Allowable Medicaid Cost Limits

3. What services are offered through the CAP program?

Services include:

• Adult Day Care
• Durable and Non-Durable Medical Supplies
• Home Mobility Aides
• In-Home Aide Services
• Meals on Wheels
• Respite Care
• Telephone Alert

4. How many hours of In-Home Aide Services can I receive?

The number of hours an individual can receive is depended upon an in-home assessment that will be completed by a social worker and registered nurse.

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County Engineer - Slope Ordinance

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1. What is the Slope Ordinance?

It is Chapter 158 of the Haywood County Ordinances and it was enacted into law by the Board of Commissioners of Haywood County effective March 1, 2007. The Slope Ordinance is a set of standards for improved construction and development practices that will result in higher levels of safety and stability on developed land, while decreasing the potential of damage to natural resources and properties adjoining tracts containing artificial slope construction.

2. How does the Slope Ordinance affect me?

If you initiate any land-disturbing activity that includes artificial (i.e. cut or fill) slope construction, slope repair, or slope stabilization, you are subject to the rules and regulations of the Slope Ordinance. No subdivision plat will be approved or recorded, and no Certificate of Occupancy issued, until the County Engineer’s office verifies compliance with the Slope Ordinance.

3. How do I obtain a copy of the Slope Ordinance?

The Slope Ordinance may be downloaded from the Haywood County website, or you may pick up a copy from the County Engineer’s office at 1233 North Main Street, Haywood County Annex II, 2nd floor.

4. Do I have to apply for a permit?

Yes, you do need to apply for a Land-Disturbing Permit that allows slope construction, repair, and/or stabilization to commence and proceed in accordance with the requirements of the Slope Ordinance. The application can be downloaded or a copy picked up from the Erosion Control office at 1233 North Main Street, Haywood County Annex II, 2nd floor.

5. What is the Haywood County Engineering Review Board?

The Engineering Review Board is the entity established by the Slope Ordinance for the purpose of providing direction for the administration of this chapter, which includes a process for appeals. The Board is governed by a set of By-Laws which stipulate that the Board meets quarterly on the second Monday at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Haywood County Annex II building.

6. What is the compaction standard for fill slope construction?

On June 26, 2007, the Engineering Review Board adopted the following Standard Operating Procedure for compaction: All areas where fill is to be placed shall be completely stripped of all organic material. All slopes shall be benched prior to the placement of any fill so as to create a relatively flat surface on which to place and compact the fill. Fill shall be placed in loose lifts of approximately 9.0 inches in thickness and free of organic material. The fill shall be compacted with equipment adequate for achieving the following requirements: Fill slopes shall be compacted to a minimum of 92 percent of the maximum dry density obtained in accordance with ASTM D-698 Standard Proctor Method. Fill placed for structures shall be compacted to a minimum of 95 percent of the maximum dry density. Each lift of fill shall be compacted to within 6 inches horizontal of the down slope edge. Each bench that is excavated into the existing slope shall be wide enough for the compaction equipment to travel on and compact the entire surface. The benching technique shall continue up in a stair step pattern until the fill side meets the cut.

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Delinquent Tax Collections

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1. Does Haywood County sell Tax Lien Certificates?

Haywood County does not sell Tax Lien Certificates. This practice was abolished in the early 1980s.

2. Can you pay someone's delinquent taxes and become the owner of the property?

No, paying someone else's taxes does not give legal ownership of the property.

3. When are foreclosure sales?

The Notice of Sale will be posted on our website, at the Haywood County Justice Center, and at the Haywood County Tax Collections office located in the Historic Courthouse prior to the sale.

4. Where are the tax foreclosure sales conducted?

Tax foreclosure sales will be handled by a Haywood County public auction in front of the Justice Center. Sales will be made to the last and highest bidder and each property will be sold "as is" and without warranty.

5. Does a property have to be delinquent for multiple years to be subject to foreclosure?

No, after advertisement of unpaid taxes in March any advertised property is subject to foreclosure.

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Emergency Medical Services Billing

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1. Who do I contact for questions about my EMS bill?

As of July 1, 2007 billing services are provided by EMS Consultants. They may be contacted at 800-814-5339.

2. Will I receive a bill for Ambulance transport?

HCEMS does bill for services. The billing office will bill Medicare, Medicaid and third-party insurance companies.

3. What services are usually covered by Medicare?

The following list some of the more common situations which suggest transportation by ambulance may be medically indicated:

• The patient was transported in an emergency situation (e.g. as a result of an accident, injury or acute illness)
• Emergency measures or treatment were required (e.g. drugs, CPR, cardiac monitor, etc.)
• The patient needed to be restrained to prevent injury to himself or others (e.g, patient was combative, patient was convulsive, etc.)
• The patient was unconscious (was unable to respond to external stimuli), this does not include patients who are comatose or in a vegetative state, with no specific reason for the transport;
• The patient was in shock
• The patient required IV fluids to maintain adequate blood pressure (e.g, dehydration, bleeding, cardiac arrhythmias, etc.) or an access line to administer medication(s)
• The patient required oxygen in route to his destination. However, this is not a covered condition if oxygen equipment has been prescribed as part of therapy or a treatment regimen and that equipment was available to the patient
• The patient required immobilization to prevent further injury of a fracture or possible fracture
• The patient sustained an acute stroke or myocardial infarction (this does not include patients who have a history of a stroke or myocardial infarction and are able to be transported by other means because no acute medical condition exists)
• The patient was experiencing symptoms indicative of a possible myocardial infarction or stroke
• The patient was experiencing a severe hemorrhage
• The patient was bed confined before and after the ambulance trip (bed confined due to old age does not qualify). Document the patient's condition in your files to include the reason why the patient was bed confined
• The patient could be moved only by stretcher and any other method of transportation would result in injury or would be detrimental to the patient's health

This is not an all inclusive list of covered conditions. If the patient is transported for any non-emergency condition, the medical need for the services must be clearly documented.

4. What services are not covered by Medicare?

• To or from the doctor's office or a physician-directed clinic. (Exception: If in the course of transporting a patient to a hospital, the ambulance stops at a physician's office because of the patient's dire need for professional attention and immediately thereafter the ambulance takes the patient to the hospital, payment can be made for the entire trip)
• Transfer from one residence to another. (A nursing home is considered to be a place of residence)
• Transfer from a hospital which has appropriate facilities for treatment to another hospital
• Transportation of a deceased patient to a funeral home
• Transportation to a non approved dialysis facility for routine maintenance dialysis
• Waiting time charges - the charge an ambulance company makes for time spent while waiting for the patient
• The patient refuses to be transported. If, after responding to a call from a patient, no transportation service is rendered, the supplier should not bill Medicare for the unloaded mileage to the patient's location and the ambulance crew's assessment of the patient as an ambulance transportation service, since no ambulance service is rendered
• Oral or self administered drugs
• Assessing the patient's condition or taking vital signs
• Charges made for services not rendered, or bills submitted for the express purpose of obtaining payment from Medicare for know non-covered services constitutes fraudulent billing practices. Claims submitted for denial purposes used for billing a supplemental insurer would not be considered fraudulent billing

In most cases, ambulance services are not covered if:

• The patient is ambulatory
• The patient is not admitted as a hospital inpatient (except in accident and emergency cases)
• A routine trip to return the patient to his or her home is generally not covered
• The patient is transported from home or a nursing home to the hospital outpatient department, and returned, for treatment that could have been performed elsewhere (e.g, patient's home or doctor's office)

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Erosion Control

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1. What is a regulated land-disturbing activity?

Any use of the land by any person that results in a change in the natural cover or topography and that may cause or contribute to sedimentation for: 

• Commercial development
• Educational
• Highway and road construction and maintenance
• Industrial
• Institutional
• Residential

2. Isn’t farming exempt?

True agricultural production and production facilities are exempt from the Ordinance. Refer to §154.05(B) for the complete dialogue.

3. When did this exemption begin?

In 1973 the North Carolina legislature enacted the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act that applies statewide. Haywood County adopted its own Erosion Control Ordinance in 1988. It is based upon the state’s model ordinance and has requirements specific to Haywood County’s topography and natural resources.

4. What am I supposed to do?

If you conduct a regulated land-disturbing activity, you are required to take all reasonable measures to prevent sediment damage to adjoining properties, lakes and natural watercourses. Contact the Haywood County Erosion Control Program for more specific details and instructions regarding your specific activity.

5. Why have I got to do all this stuff, just for a little mud?

Society has deemed that water resources are worth protecting. Sediment is the largest pollutant by volume to our nation’s waterways. Sediment can fill up ponds, it can destroy aquatic habitats, fine particles of sediment can carry biological and chemical contaminants great distances and sediment can be costly to treat with regards to public water sources. Also, public properties such as state roads must be protected from “mud slicks” because mud on the road can greatly reduce pavement friction and that could lead to motor vehicle accidents. Also, private properties below land-disturbing activity must be protected from deposits of sediment. It is considered “damage” to someone’s property if you place sediment there by any means.

6. If I disturb less than required for a permit, do I still have to do anything?

Yes. You are still required to take all reasonable measures to protect all private property, all public property, and natural resources from sediment from your activity.

7. How long have I got to get grass growing or put gravel down?

You have 21 calendar days from the completion of any phase of grading to cover graded slopes and fills either with a temporary or a permanent ground cover. That ground cover must be sufficient to restrain erosion. This rule applies on any size activity.

8. Can I go ahead and start work without plan approval or a permit as long as I stay under the permitting threshold?

No. You are required to obtain a Land-Disturbing Permit (DOC) before you begin the activity.

9. Can I at least begin cutting trees?

That is considered a regulated land-disturbing activity and must be permitted prior to commencing work unless it is a true forest practice. Then it is subject to conditions related in §154.05(B)(2) of the Ordinance.

10. What do you mean that’s trout water a trout can’t live in that trickle?

The issue is not whether trout can survive in the stream in question. The issue is whether the stream in question maintains its water quality adequate enough to feed the trout stream to which it is tributary.

11. What if I start work before I get a Land-Disturbing Permit?

You will subject yourself to increased fees and possible civil and criminal penalties.

12. Does my permit ever expire?

Yes. A Land-Disturbing Permit (PDF) expires 18 months after issuance.

13. When I finish my project, do I need to do anything?

Yes you may call the Erosion Control Program for an inspection. At the end of construction when the site has achieved final stabilization a Certificate of Completion may be issued.

14. Doesn’t the county have a storm water ordinance?

No.

15. I’m in the Town of Clyde. Can you inspect the neighbor’s bad work?

By joint resolutions between the Town and County Boards (and with the endorsement of the North Carolina Sediment Commission), our local program does have jurisdiction over matters of erosion and sediment control in the Towns of Clyde and Maggie Valley.  However, Waynesville and Canton are still under the jurisdiction of NCDENR, Land Quality Section.

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Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

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1. Does an employer have to give all of its employees rest breaks and meal breaks?

No.

2. Is there a restriction on how many hours an employer can work an adult employee?

No.

3. Can an employer pay someone a salary and not have to worry about overtime pay?

No.

4. Does an employer have to give its employees a check-stub?

Yes.

5. I am a non-exempt employee and I am paid every two weeks. Does my employer figure my overtime pay after 80 hours in the pay period regardless of the number of hours I work a week?

No.

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Food & Nutritional Services Program

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1. What is the Food and Nutritional Services Program?

Features of the program include:

• It is an “Entitlement” program for eligible households
• It is designed to improve nutrition among low-income households by increasing their food-buying power
• It is a Federal Program

2. How do you actually get the benefits and buy food?

Stores are certified by Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) in Raleigh. Stores should only allow edible foods (vegetables seeds or plants) to be bought with food stamps. Food stamps cannot be used for: 

• Alcohol
• Household Items
• Medicines
• Paper Products
• Pet Food
• Soaps
• Tobacco Products
• Vitamins

3. What is the County role?

Department of Social Services (DSS) takes and processes applications, makes changes and completes recertifications for this program.

4. What is the timeframe for receiving food assistance if eligible?

Timeframes are the same for all counties, 30 days for normal and 7 days for emergency cases.

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In-Home Aide Services

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1. Do you have to have Medicaid in order to get In-Home Aide Services?

No, you do not need to have Medicaid to qualify.

2. Can In-Home Aide Services assist me with bathing, getting dressed, etc.?

No, personal care cannot be performed under this program. The Community Alternatives Program (CAP)/Disabled Adults (DA) program would assist with personal care.

3. Can the In-Home Aide take me shopping?

No, the aide can run errands for you but they are not allowed to transport a client.

4. How do I apply for In-Home Aide Services?

You may contact anyone in the Adult Services Programs Division at Department of Social Services (DSS) or call 828-452-2370, ext. 139.

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Land Records / Geographic Information Services

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1. May I combine my parcels so I can receive one tax bill and if so, will it reduce my taxes?

Parcels may be combined by many different methods such as, recording a document with one outside boundary description, an intent to combine statement in the document, or filing a Notice of Intent to Combine Parcels (PDF). After completing and having the signatures notarized, the form must be recorded in the Register of Deeds office. As to whether taxes will be reduced by the combining, this is sometimes true, but not always.

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Office of Tax Collections

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1. When are real estate and personal property taxes due?

Each September taxes become due for real estate, business personal property and individually held personal property (manufactured homes, boats, boat motors jet skis and unlicensed motor vehicles). Tax bills are mailed to the property owners in late August early September. Taxes on real estate and personal property are due in September and are payable through January 5^th without interest. After January 5^th an interest charge of 2% is added and an additional 3/4% is added on the first day of each month thereafter until the bill is paid in full.

2. Does my mortgage or escrow company get a tax bill?

Real estate tax bills are only mailed to property owners. Haywood County does not mail tax bills to loan institutions or escrow companies because you are the owner of the property, not your loan institution. We will gladly provide your loan institution with your billing information at their request, but we strongly suggest that you send them a copy of your bill.

3. I sold my property, why did I get the tax bill?

Ownership of real property is established as of January 1^st of the tax year, and transfer of ownership during the year does not relieve the seller of tax liability.

4. Can I make partial payments?

Partial Payments

If you are unable to pay your taxes in full by January 5^th of each year, you may have the option of paying a predetermined monthly payment amount until your taxes are paid in full. Please contact the Tax Collections department at 828-452-6643 for your payment plan options. 

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RSS Feeds Help

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1. What is Real Simple Syndication (RSS)?

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an easy way to keep up with your favorite news and information. An RSS feed contains headlines, summaries and links to full news stories on our web site. If you click an RSS link, you will see XML (eXtensible Markup Language) code in your browser. This is to be expected, since you do not view RSS content through a browser. You view the headlines through an RSS news reader (also called an RSS aggregator).

RSS allows you to see when sites from all over the internet have added new content. You can get the latest headlines and articles in one place, as soon as they are published, without having to remember to visit each site every day.

2. How do I start using Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds?

In general, the first thing you need is something called a news reader. This is a piece of software that checks RSS feeds and lets you read any new articles that have been added to them. There are many different versions, some of which are accessed using a browser, and some of which are downloadable applications. Browser-based news readers let you catch up with your RSS feed subscriptions from any computer, whereas downloadable applications let you store them on your main computer, in the same way that you either download your email using Outlook, or keep it on a web-based service like Hotmail.

Once you have chosen a news reader, all you have to do is decide what content you want to receive in your news reader by finding and subscribing to the relevant RSS feeds.

Haywood County Government RSS Feed

For example, if you would like the most recent updates from Haywood County Government, simply visit our homepage and you will notice an orange RSS button on the left hand side.

If you click on the button you can subscribe to the feed in various ways, including:

• Dragging the URL of the RSS feed into your news reader
• Cutting and pasting the same URS into a new feed in your news reader

3. How do I get a news reader?

There is a range of different news readers available and new versions are appearing all the time. RSS is a standardized format that lets you subscribe to a website using software applications such as Microsoft® Outlook®, Microsoft® Internet Explorer® and Mozilla® Firefox®. Different news readers work on different operating systems, so you will need to choose one that will work with your computer.

4. Why should I subscribe?

Subscribing is also known as adding an RSS feed. Once you subscribe to a page, you can view content titles and click on the links to quickly link to the content from your personalized Google, My MSN, My Yahoo! or My AOL homepage.

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Special Assistance

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1. What Is Special Assistance?

This program provides additional income to those who are eligible to assist with purchasing necessary items or services to be able to remain in their home and avoid rest home placement.

2. What are the qualifications for Special Assistance?

Recipients must receive full Medicaid (Blue Card), have an income lower than $851 per month and their physician must complete a form recommending rest home level of care.

3. Will the Special Assistance money county against me for other services?

The additional money will not affect your Medicaid nor your SSI or SSA. The money is counted toward your total monthly income and can decrease food stamps and possibly your amount of housing assistance.

4. How do I apply for Special Assistance?

You can make an application in the Adult Assistance Programs section at the Department of Social Services.

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Taxes - Occupancy Tax

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1. How do you collect and pay Haywood County Occupancy Tax?

If you rent out your home or vacation property for periods of less than 90 days, State of North Carolina and Haywood County law requires you to collect a 4% occupancy tax (in addition to North Carolina state sales tax) from your guests. You must register your rental property with the Haywood County Finance Office, which will instruct you how to remit the occupancy tax money you collect:
Finance Department
215 N Main Street
Waynesville, NC 28786
Phone: 828-452-6629 ext. 2614

2. What if you fail to register your property for occupancy tax?

Failing to register, file and pay the occupancy tax will result in penalties, which mirror North Carolina sales and use tax as stated in General Statute 105-236, including:

• In case of failure to file any return on the date it is due, a penalty equal to 5% of the amount of tax will be assessed if the failure is for not more than one month, with additional 5% for each additional month, or fraction thereof, during which the failure continues, not exceeding 25% in the aggregate, or $5, whichever is greater.
• In the case of failure to pay any tax when due, a penalty equal to 10% of the tax will be assessed, except the penalty shall in no event be less than $5.
• Any person who willfully fails to pay the tax, make the return, keep records or supply required information shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
• Further, any person who willfully attempts to evade or defeat a tax or its payment, shall be guilty of a Class H felony.
• The County Finance Officer may direct that the financial records of accommodations be audited.

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Taxes - Property Reappraisal

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1. Why is Haywood County Reappraising my property?

North Carolina General Statute 105-286 requires all North Carolina Counties to conduct a reappraisal/revaluation of all real property at least every 8 years.  Haywood County is on a 4 year reappraisal cycle.  An eight year cycle can create more opportunity for inequities to grow and can lead to much larger and unpredictable changes to property values.  As inequities increase, the tax burden on individual property owners becomes un-balanced.  A reappraisal resets the values to reflect true market value to ensure all property owners are paying their fair share.

2. How is value determined?

Properties are valued based on a mass appraisal system which groups similar properties together based on their location, replacement cost, type of construction, age and other factors.  For commercial properties, the value may be based on net operating income.

3. What is market value?

The price estimated in terms of money at which the property would change hands between a willing and financially able buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable knowledge of all the uses to which the property is adapted and for which it is capable of being used.

4. Will my value change?

Most likely your value will change.  As most may already know, the real estate market in Haywood County has steadily increased over the last few years.  As North Carolina General Statues require all North Carolina Counties to reappraise all real estate to full market value based on current market conditions.

5. What is the relation between appraisal & taxation

Appraisal and taxation are separate issues.  Sales, along with other factors determine market value but the county tax rate has no impact on the valuation process.  Each taxing jurisdiction – the County Commissioners, Municipalities, etc. establishes its own tax rate.  The final tax bill cannot be determined until these rates are set.

6. Will I be notified of my new value?

You will receive a Notice of Real Estate Value by mail.  These notices will go out sometime between February and April 2021.

7. What if I do not agree with my new value?

Haywood County has implemented an Electronic Appeal Process that can be used during this reappraisal.  Information and instructions will be included on the new value notice.  As with previous reappraisals, the option of mailing your appeal will still be available.  Depending on the COVID situation at the time the notices are mailed out, neither of these options would require personal contact to file a valid appeal.

The first step in the appeal process is an informal appeal which you may make an appointment with to come in and talk to your Appraiser.   An appeal can result in the value being unchanged, increased or decreased.  The next step in the appeal process is a formal appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review.  The Board of Equalization and Review will meet as needed to hear all appeals.  An appeal from the Board of Equalization and Review goes to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission which is held in Raleigh.  Appeals from the Property Tax Commission go through the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

8. What is considered to be a valid reason to appeal my value.

• Current Market Sales that indicate market value significantly different than what our statement of value is
• Information that would influence the market value of this property that we may not have knowledge of
• 2019 or 2020 appraisals that indicate a significant difference in market value than indicated on your notice
• Damage that would be relevant in determining market value that has not already been considered

9. What is considered to be a invalid reason to appeal my value.

• Your financial ability to pay or not pay property taxes
• The percentage increase or decrease from the previous reappraised value
• Actual construction cost, historic cost or insurance value
• The market is “just too high”

10. Is there a deadline to appeal my property tax value?

Appeals must be filed within 30 days of the notice date.

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Waynesville Seed Library & Canton Giving Garden

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1. What is a Seed Library?

The Seed Library of Waynesville is a seed lending library, not a seed bank or depository. We are located in the library and are open whenever the library is open. You must have a Cardinal library card in good standing to check out seeds. To return seeds, you will be required to fill out a seed library membership form. We provide free classes on organic gardening and seed saving, and you can borrow books from the library on these topics. 

When you borrow seeds, please plant them and then return the next generation of the seeds for others to borrow. We encourage beginning home gardeners to save seeds from the "super easy" and "easy" plants (i.e. tomatoes, lettuce, beans, peas and peppers). Please do not try to save seeds from plants in the "difficult" category (i.e. squash, cucumbers, corn) until you have more experience saving seeds.

2. Why start a seed lending library?

Humans have been saving seeds for over 12,000 years. However, in our culture, much of that knowledge has been lost over the last hundred years, along with significant biodiversity. When you grow and save your own seeds, you develop seed stock that is well suited to your climate, save money, and have quality control. When you participate in the seed library, you help create a culture of sharing and abundance.